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However, what’s most alarming is the fact that I haven’t thought about Kozlov since we sat down. I’m doing this because I want her, not because I want to punish him. Kozlov doesn’t factor into this. I’ll still ruin him, but not by ruining her too.
She’s mine. Forever.
Now I have to finalize this deal.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out a small velvet box and open the hinged lid.
“Sophia, will you marry me?”
CHAPTER12
Sophia
This is the second time I’ve been blinded by the brilliance of a one-of-a-kindMaçonthis evening. Except this piece of jewelry comes with a question that I never expected to hear from Roman’s mouth.
He’sasking, instead of demanding. In fact, he has asked a few questions this evening and actually listened to my responses. And he’s laughed—twice. Maybe there’s hope for this man yet.
Even so, I can’t give him a simple answer. I want to go to college more than anything, but he knows that and he’s using it as leverage so that I’ll willingly be his wife. I shouldn’t have told him my secret desire if I didn’t want him to use it against me.
Would marrying Roman really be so bad? I can’t escape him. I still don’t actually have a choice, unless…
“What if I sayno?”
I’m acutely aware of the attention we’ve drawn. Strangers’ eyes bore into the back of my head. Roman’s face remains impassive, as if he’s unaffected by their blatant stares.
“If you don’t want this, I will send you back to your father, under one condition: You may not marry Kozlov. However, your father will be free to marry you to anyone else of his choosing.”
I purse my lips, thinking that over. Basically, I’d be back to square one. No Roman, no Nik, and available for Papa to marry me off to some other man all for the sake of an alliance. Would it be a different Russian? Or perhaps an Irishman?
Whoever they’d be, they’re an unknown quantity. I don’t like that.
Another problem is I can’t see myself being shoved back into that box. I’ve changed in the last week. I don’t want to be some man’s pawn any longer. At least Roman is giving me a choice, which is far more than I ever expected from him.
In truth, I’m astonished that we’re having this conversation. I pegged Roman as the type of man to drag me to the altar while hurling threats. Instead, he’s a businessman through and through. And a damned good one.
Papa would never negotiate with me or give me a choice, not really. If I go against my family’s wishes, I know the guilt will eat away at me. Plus, that direction doesn’t include college.
I’ve made my bargain with Roman. It’s as good as I’m going to get. Which is far better than I ever thought possible, so I’ll take it.
“Yes. I will marry you, Roman De Luca.”
I swear that surprise and relief flash behind his eyes for a moment before those two reactions are gone, wiped clean by the knowing smirk on his cruel lips. Did he really think I’d reject him?
Is Roman De Luca, God of the Seas, not as self-assured as he pretends?
An even crazier thought pops to mind. Does he actuallywantme to be his wife? I thought this was a business transaction and desire played no part in it. Am I wrong?
I keep my questions to myself. Only time will tell what Roman’s true motivations are, or if I’m simply overthinking the matter.
Roman takes the diamond ring and slides it onto my finger, as the dining room explodes with applause. A grin splits my face and butterflies flutter around my stomach. Strangely, my joy in this moment feels genuine.
Finally, I’ve found a way to go to college. I’m no longer stuck on the predictable path that was my life before meeting Roman. For the first time in a long time, I’m excited about my future.
The butterflies go wild when Roman leans in and kisses me. This kiss is somehow different from the ones before it. His mouth claims mine with such passion and possessiveness that I feel his brand on every inch of my skin. I’m his now. And I have a suspicion that he’s never going to let me go.
* * *
After dinner we step outside, where Roman continues to surprise me by having a horse-drawn carriage waiting for us in Central Park. The top is drawn up to protect against the elements. Roman helps me inside, sits beside me, and arranges a thick blanket around us like we’re a normal couple on a real date. Once we’re settled in, the driver starts the carriage rolling.
